Saturday. Crossing 14th Street, headed north. Broadway to the left, Park Avenue to the right. The honk of yellow cabs bleeping all round; photographing construction workers balancing atop complicated looking scaffolding.
Directly ahead, along the western side of the Park, buzzes the nucleus of Union Square – the local Greenmarket. Walking through the hubbub: a hodgepodge of colours, sights, and smells swirls in, under, and around the white tent-topped stalls. Inhaling the scent of fresh rosemary and basil; marveling at the bright reds, yellows, and greens of odd shaped heirloom tomatoes; brightening at the sight of glorious sunflowers; navigating a greens-filled grocery bag clutching crowd, and wondering how anyone could crave a hot roasted corn on the cob in this 85% humidity, 85 degree summer weather.
Finally, exiting the other side, where things get back to normal. Watching mini golf being played on the sidewalk; dodging those noisy yellow cabs; spotting giant red balloons. That’s pretty normal for NYC, right?
Enjoy!
Union Square is my absolute FAVOURITE place in NYC, thanks for the photos πthey made my day!
I remembered your request π It was a lovely day – humid but a great atmosphere! Thanks for enjoying!
This is such a fun part of town. Your street photos are great. You have a knack for finding some of New York’s characters which make this town special. We often found ourselves back in Union Square for one reason or another. I loved wandering through the markets and on another occasion we ate at Union Square Cafe!
Thanks so much Jenny! Union Square is such a people watching place π The markets definitely add that extra fun factor!
I remember being in Union Square, with my wife, and eating at the Union Grill ( I think). It was late December and there was an unseasonal heatwave. We were in T shirts in December. We flew back to the UK next day where we read in the papers that NY had just been hit by an ice storm!
Wow, when was that Roger? I did take some photos of the Blue Water Grill – I think that’s the spot you mean. It’s a great area, and the balcony of that restaurant has prime view of Union Square.
Hi Marina, Lots of life in these pictures, you’ve really captured an atmosphere. Lovely. π
Thanks Adrian! The area is certainly full of life – though it’s a nice pace. nothing like say, Times Square. It’s a nice mix π
It’s like I’m there! I love love love your header photo. You at your quirky best!
Thanks so much Paula. That red balloon was hard to miss π
‘If I could find a souvenir
Just to prove the world was here
And here is a red balloon
I think of you and let it go……………..’
π
cute π
80’s pop music……you can always rely on 80’s pop music…
π
Great photos Marina… the 2nd one looks like they’re practicing the “YMCA dance” π lol
thanks 2Rivers! You’re so so right – Y…M-C-A!
Such a lovely series of images!! I know I have said it before but you capture NY city life exceptionally well!
Thank you! That’s so nice of you! What a nice compliment π
I love this series on Union Square. I found this market by accident on my last visit to NYC and I had a great time exploring it. Thanks for the memories.
I am so glad these photos brought back memories. It’s lovely to reflect on market strolls – everything looks so good, you want to buy it! Thank you!
Beautiful pictures! Thanks for sharing π
Thank you! And, it’s my pleasure π
I like the second photo in particular, the composition: 3 + 2 + 3 workers and the lines of the structures gives some special effect to it. It really works for me π
The one with the girl on red high heels is really nice too, street fashion photography!
Thanks so much Ines! There were some characters in Union Square on that weekend. I had fun photographing those workmen – they reminded me of Lego construction workers!
A wonderfully vibrant New York City buzz.
Love the red balloon shots!
Thanks Karen! The red balloon was hard to miss!
Excellent series! Love the construction guy shots!
Thank you Karen! A mini Lego set – photographed!
The colours, Marina. Just GORGEOUS!
Thanks so much Syders! I love summer for the colour π
Such a variety of activities, shops, restaurants, clothing, etc! Never a dull moment. Great post!
It is so true fergiemoto! Never a dull moment. And if you need a quiet moment, it’s not so easy to find (but some of the side streets are quite nice for a respite). Thank you!
love Union Square – and you’ve perfectly captured it!
Thank you so much Lois! That makes me happy π
I love Union Square too and you’ve really brought the city alive with these photos. Isn’t the Strand bookstore nearby?
Thank you π yes, The Strand is a block down from where the construction guys were working. I didn’t venture in – I have way too many books stacked up to read!
I miss nyc, union sq is a great place to visit, again you have done a great job with our descriptions and photos.
Thank you so much! That’s so lovely of you π It is a fun spot within which to absorb NYC.
I love eggplants and corn. In fact, American corn is the very best. We have corn here too, but it’s not as sweet as it is in the US.
It’s true- the corn is so sweet in the US. I love eggplant – especially when cooked with tomatoes, onions, in oil. Having that on black bread is a delicious meal. Thank you!
The farmers market at Union Square is always worth checking out. Great pictures!
Thanks so much Gerard! yes, the market is a good spot while in season π
You’re doing an excellent job in documenting the NYC streets, Marina! This is such a vibrant place, full of life and character. The red balloon shot is delicious. But I also like free bees π
Thanks so much! I am glad you noticed the “free bees.” They really were having a field day on those sunflowers. I had to dodge that area from fear of being stung π I appreciate your comment – made me smile wide on this Saturday!
Great shots! I think they are very professional π I can see the movement in the city π
You’re lovely – thanks K! The city was busy that day, and warm.